Riley County budget debate intensifies as commissioners weigh cuts, mill-levy and health department reorganization

County budget staff reviewed department-by-department requests July 9 and told commissioners that not every department could absorb an across-the-board 2% cut without affecting core services.

Britney Phillips, Riley County budget and finance officer, said several high-variance lines (juvenile detention, RCPD operations, coroner expenses) could not be trimmed safely and that department heads had already cut where feasible. She warned commissioners that the county must certify its intent to exceed the revenue-neutral mill rate by July 20 and provided draft numbers for review.

Commissioners debated options: some called for deeper, immediate cuts and a program-by-program long-range process; others proposed a one-time transfer from CIP to cover the shortfall this year while planning more systemic changes for FY2028. They also discussed reorganizing the health department and the timing of hiring a director and deputy, with interim Health Director David Adams recommending a director first and then letting that person hire a deputy.

One commissioner said they would not support raising the mill levy above the proposed level and pushed for more aggressive cuts; another urged a phased approach that begins in September and continues through the next budget cycle. Phillips said department heads must hear clear direction from commissioners before final decisions can be implemented.

The board scheduled follow-up work and asked staff to return with additional detail ahead of the July 13 and July 20 certification deadlines.